Gifts

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Hot Dates: Valentine’s Day

February 14

OMEGA's Seamaster Planet Ocean Chrono watch for men

Cupid takes flight—heart-shaped bow and arrow in tow—to celebrate all things lovey-dovey this February. Woo your sweetie with chocolate treats and fragrant blooms, or head to the newly renovated OMEGA boutique and give the gift of time. For her: the Planet Ocean steel watch encrusted with diamonds; for him: the Planet Ocean Chrono (pictured) with a clear sapphire back case. Both of these timepieces are water-resistant to 600 m (2,000 ft) and come from the new Seamaster range, a classic line dedicated to producing watches for divers.—Jennifer Patterson

OMEGA Boutique, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St. 604-681-8266. www.omegawatches.com

Hot Shopping: Shop Talk: Passionate about Paper

Kitschy kitchen gear, hand-crafted, made-in-Winnipeg dolls and funky and fabulous stationery are just a few of the things that have made The Paper Gallery the go-to gift and greeting card store for 35 years. Personalized customer service keep shoppers coming back season after season. Owners Anne and Itzik Joudan (pictured)—who know many customers by name—are the heart of the business. The couple bought the store 15 years ago and moved it from its original Academy Road location to its current Corydon Avenue home five years ago. Today, the pair makes annual buying trips to gift shows in Toronto and New York where they shop with Winnipeggers in mind. “We buy fun but practical gifts,” Anne says. Indeed. From the oinking pig, chip-bag clip to the apron accessorized with a string of pearls, humour is present on every shelf. 1437 Corydon Ave, 204-488-2585, Map 2: D-3.

Hot Shopping: OLEANA Wool Blankets

Wool blankets by OLEANA, at Urbanity

NORDIC CHIC

When the weather outside is frightful, curl up with a super-soft blanket by Norwegian company OLEANA. These bright throws are made of merino wool (pictured) or alpaca and reference both Nordic culture and the Silk Road in their patterns. Stop by Urbanity to find OLEANA blankets, knitwear, silks and coats to perfect your Scandinavian style.—Kristina Urquhart

More information:
URBANITY 2412 Granville St. 604-801-6262. www.urbanity.ca

Hot Shopping: Gifts Galore

Ellerslie Gift & Garden is a holiday hotspot for finding that special something to slip under the tree. The shop is filled to the brim with whimsical gifts and home décor, like keepsake boxes, jewelry, glassware, weathervanes and so much more. For a timeless piece great for any season, pick up their Tree of Life decorative plate made with fired clay. The plate comes in a classic design and subtle colouring, offering a versatile accessory that will complement any household. $89.99, available at Ellerslie Gift & Garden.

Travel-Friendly Convertible Winter Coat for New Moms and Moms-to-Be

The M Coat can be worn as maternity outerwear and two ways pre- or post-pregnancy.

Splurging on a maternity coat can seem wasteful, prompting all sorts of makeshift winter wear and exposed-belly dilemmas. Not ideal—especially if you’re planning a “babymoon” this winter. (more…)

All I Want for Christmas

Unearthing the ultimate Christmas treasure amongst the multitude of offerings that fill the shops during the hubbub of the holiday season can be a daunting task to say the least. This is why we’ve set out to make your shopping experience an enjoyable one by searching the city for unique and timeless gifts for everyone on your list. For each category, we’ve hand-picked from a wide range of price points and from an assortment of locally owned and independent retailers as well as a handful of big name favourites. Holiday shopping has never been so effortless! (more…)

14 Inspiring Books of Canadian Travel, Culture and Canadiana

Image from the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide

By Meghan Wilson-Smith

Touring the wide expanses of Canada can only be enriched with a little literature to guide you through. Pick up one of these twelve inspiring books to disappear into, travel with and share. Our list of Canadiana is here to inspire your next adventure while learning about the wonders that make Canada great! (more…)

Quick Q&A with TV’s The Shopping Bags

Two seasoned shoppers dish on (what else?) shopping

By Jennifer Patterson

Anna (L) and Kristina (R), better known as the Shopping Bags. Photo by Jonathan Cruz

Meet Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic, Vancouver’s very own professional shopaholics. They both got their start on TV as anchors for BC’s Global TV, but since 2001 this dynamic duo has won the hearts of viewers on not one but three different television shows: The Shopping Bags, Anna & Kristina’s Grocery Bag and Anna & Kristina’s Beauty Call (airing on W, CosmoTV and OWN). So when Where planned our annual issue devoted to all-things-shopping, it was a no-brainer who to interview.

For their just-released online gift guide, visit www.annaandkristina.com.

Q: Your top Vancouver shops?
Anna: Diplomatic Immunity, Gravitypope, Atkinson’s, Kitsilano Wine Cellar and Les Amis du Fromage—an essential party stop.
Kristina: One-stop shops The Bay, Chapters—for books and odds and sods—and Holt Renfrew.

Q: Any gift ideas for travellers?
A: Good stocking-stuffers for anyone who travels: eye masks, pashminas, a good moisturizing cream and warm socks for the plane.
K: A brightly coloured passport holder, a magazine subscription or an e-reader.

Q: On your wish list?
A: The new blue Hermès dishes. If anyone would like to buy me a plate or teacup—though you may have to mortgage the farm—I’ll be forever in your debt.
K: I would like—and put in a good word for me with Santa—a little rose-gold horseshoe necklace from Tiffany & Co.

Q: Where do you go after shopping?
K: We often go to the Wedgewood Hotel’s Bacchus Lounge—it’s so cozy—for the best pizza in the city.
A: And a good wine list.

Weekend Picks: Get Into the Holiday Spirit

With the big day only 22 sleeps away, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is now upon us and Edmonton is bursting at the seams with holiday fun and frivolity this weekend. Many of the events run up until Christmas, so if you can’t make it out this weekend you’ll still have plenty of time to check out all the festivities going on in celebration of the holiday season. So get into the festive spirit and spread the Christmas cheer with some of the city’s best seasonal events!

Image courtesy of Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees
Dec 1-4 — Take in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season at Festival of Trees, the city’s annual festive holiday extravaganza. Delight in the over 100 dazzling and extravagantly decorated Christmas trees, a spectacular gingerbread house village, exciting live entertainment, an array of kids’ activities, a Christmas gift shop filled to the brim with holiday goodies, Santa’s breakfast and gala evening. At the Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult), $3 (senior/youth), $2 (child), under 2 free.

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Presents: A Merry Pops Christmas
Dec 2-3 — The ESO celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with an all-time favourite: A Merry Pops Christmas. Join the symphony as they share a little traditional Christmas spirit with the help of the Greenwood Singers, Cantilon Chamber Choir, the University of Alberta Handbell Ringers and special guests from Victoria School of the Arts. At the Winspear, tickets $24-$85.

Image courtesy of Citadel Theatre

A Christmas Carol
Dec 2-23 — A holiday tradition, Tom Woods’ adaptation of the Dickens’ classic is favoured among young and old alike. Its rich cast of characters, enchanting set design and heartwarming story are sure to have the whole family charmed and biting at the bit for next years’ rendition. At the Citadel Theatre, tickets $84-$99 (adult), $74-$99 (senior/student).

24^th Annual Jingle on Indoor Santa Claus Parade
Dec 4 — Santa is coming to town! Stake your spot somewhere along the over one kilometer of pedway systems that link downtown’s major shopping centres and watch as Jolly Old St. Nicholas makes his way to Edmonton. Kids will delight in the mascots, dancing groups, marching bands floats and, of course, Santa Claus. Various downtown locations, free.

A Christmas Past
Dec 4 — A traditional Rutherford House Christmas awaits . Relish in seasonal music, baking, hot cider and crafts all under the roof the former Premiere of Alberta’s charming historic house. Rutherford House, $4 (adult), $3 (senior/youth).

Image courtesy of Alberta Legislative Building

Celebrate the Season
Dec 1-23 — The Baux Arts style Alberta Legislature transforms into a winter wonderland with outdoor skating, hot chocolate, choir performances in the rotunda, seasonal gifts and crafts in the gift shop and a massive lights display. At Alberta Legislative Building, free.

The city boasts a number of other festivities lined up for the next couple weeks including the 42^nd annual singing Christmas Tree, Handel’s Messiah, Candy Cane Lane and Christmas Reflections.

2011 Vancouver Holiday Gift Guide

Where‘s top picks for everyone on your Christmas list

By Jennifer Patterson

The Trendsetter

Ring in the holiday season with a piece of arm candy from Tiffany & Co. The Bracelet Bag comes in satin, velvet or leather, in colours such as Tiffany blue, burgundy or walnut.

Jacob’s new eau de toilette trio comes in Classique, with notes of pink pepper and citrus; Joie de Vivre, passion fruit and freesia; and Very Chic, vanilla and black amber.

(more…)

Hot Art: Visit Van Dop

"Lost to the Wind" by Carole Arnston at Van Dop Gallery

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and to celebrate, the appointment-only Van Dop Gallery is throwing open its doors to the public on Saturdays from Nov. 12 to 30 for Spirit of the Season. You’ll have lots of choices for your holiday gift list with pieces by over 100 Canadian artists, including Carole Arnston‘s “Lost to the Wind” (pictured).—Kristina Urquhart
More information:

VAN DOP GALLERY 421 Richmond St., New Westminster. 604-521-7887. www.vandopgallery.com

Hot Art: Vase Craze

Vase by artist Mary Fox

It’s something old, something new in Classic Forms Revisited at Gallery of BC Ceramics (Sep. 3 to 29). Artist Mary Fox explores the centuries-old vase shapes that continue to influence her work. Lithium and crawl glazes lend a vintage vibe to her pieces, which would look as good in your living room as they would in Cleopatra’s lair.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Shopping: One of a Kind

Looking for a unique gift or a distinctive home accent? Inkwell on Market Street specializes in handmade limited edition paper goods, tea towels, pottery and jewellery from international artists. There’s an antique letterpress on site, which you can sometimes see in use.

Hot Shopping: Too Cool for School

Colourful lamps from PBteen

Bring life into your teenager’s poster-covered bedroom with stylish and practical items from PBteen (www.pbteen.com). Lamps in fun colours are great to read by, while peel-and-stick wall decals and murals help spruce up any space without leaving behind thumbtack holes. PBteen, the teenage member of the Pottery Barn family, now ships to Canada and offers everything from grad gifts to laundry bags to desk chairs.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Art: Worth the Drive

"Safe and Clear" by Michael Tickner at Lions Bay Art Gallery

A short, scenic trip from downtown Vancouver brings you to the cheerful and charming Lions Bay Art Gallery. Leave lots of room in your suitcase for souvenir-worthy art and gifts, including local painter Michael Tickner’s eye-catching, rainbow-bright landscapes (“Safe and Clear,” pictured).—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Dining: Fabulous at 14

Hamilton Street Grill photo by KK Law

How do you celebrate a 14th birthday in style? If you’re the Hamilton Street Grill in Yaletown, you offer a steal of a deal: an eight-ounce sirloin steak with garlic smashed potatoes and veggies, all for $14. The special runs all month long, even on Father’s Day (Jun. 19), so treat Dad to a nice dinner. We won’t tell him how little it cost.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Clever Creations

Bogside Gallery

•   Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia on Spring Garden Road: Every item is made in the Maritimes. Offerings run the gamut: pottery, pewter, woolens, woodwork, jewellery, Nova Scotia tartan items and clothing.
•   Bogside Gallery in The Hydrostone on Young Street: Unique gifts from East Coast artisans; pottery, pewter, wood and so much more. Open daily.
•   Murphy’s Company Store on Lower Water Street: Handicrafts from Nova Scotian artists, gifts, t-shirts, Anne of Green Gables collectibles, nautical items and souvenirs.

Hot Shopping: Bejewelled

Arm bling from Tiffany & Co.

The quintessential Mother’s Day (May 8) gift? Jewellery. Tiffany & Co. highlights the timeless appeal of glittery baubles with the new Tiffany Twist collection. Each gold or sterling silver bangle ($225 to $1,950, pictured), pendant or pair of hoop earrings has a unique spiral design inspired by the age-old method of hand-twisting wire. Other high-end jewellery shops with something memorable for Mom: Birks and Cartier.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Dining: Happy Mother’s Day

Photo copyright Kickstand/Istockphoto.com

It’s just plain wrong for Mom to do any cooking on May 8, which means pretty much every restaurant in town is holding a special brunch, buffet, tea or dinner. Popular brunch destinations for Mom include Fleuri Restaurant, Oru, Italian Kitchen, Market by Jean-Georges and Bacchus Restaurant. To avoid maternal disappointment, make your reservation early—and don’t forget the flowers.—Sheri Radford

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: May

Photo by N. Vandergaag courtesy VanDusen Botanical Garden

1 Laburnum season (mid-May to early June) at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
2 Bargain hunting at Joe Fresh, H&M and Forever 21.
3 All the hypoallergenic, paraben-free, natural skincare products at Lavan.
4 Fresh seafood.
5 The two cheery, colourful levels of the Kids Market on Granville Island.
6 Taking an evening stroll through Stanley Park—and jumping when the Nine O’Clock Gun goes off. This 195-year-old cannon makes an impressive Boom! every night at 9 p.m.
7 Canada’s only Agent Provocateur store, which is located right here in downtown Vancouver. It’s filled with luxury lingerie, sexy swimwear and naughty nightwear.
8 Dining at award-winning restaurants.
9 The gourmet chocolate bar line “My Therapy Bar” by local company Deliss Chocolate (www.delisschocolate.com), which grew out of bitter beginnings (the end of a marriage) into something sweet. At Whole Foods.
10 Chapeaus of every size, shape and style at Edie Hats and Goorin Brothers.
11 Bright, cheerful umbrellas from local company Possum (www.possumumbrella.com). Each comes in a pouch that folds into a shopping bag. At The Gallery Store and Fine Finds.
12 Local artist Peng Liu’s floral art in In Full Bloom at Jacana Gallery (to May 22).
13 The 40th anniversary of the BMO Vancouver Marathon (May 1).
14 Rain. We might as well love it, since we’re stuck with it.
15 The special tin commemorating Vancouver’s 125th anniversary put out by 126-year-old local company Rogers’ Chocolates.